Recommended tableside communication and interaction techniques

Rationale for Change: This new mechanic a) puts the foul-calling official in a better position to communicate with coaches; b) may improve coaching behavior with the official nearby to explain the call, rather than the coach trying to communicate with the official across the floor; c) improves officials’ responding skills; d) speeds up the dead-ball period with the calling official moving toward the table.

General Techniques:

• Don’t walk directly to a coach; go to your new officiating position. The coach will get your attention if they have a question.
• Statements by coaches don’t normally need a response. Answer questions, not statements.
• Let the coach speak/ask their question first, before speaking. Be a responder, not an initiator.
• Most coaches will have questions/comments when they believe the officials have missed an obvious call.
• Having the officials in closer proximity often calms down the coach.
• Be in control and speak in calm, easy tones. Be aware of your body language; maintain positive and confident body language.
• Make eye contact with the coach when the situation allows.
• Do not try to answer a question from an out of control coach; deal with the behavior first.
• If you’ve missed a call or made a mistake; admit it. This technique can only be used sparingly, perhaps once a game.
• Don’t bluff your way through a call.
• Do not ignore a coach.

Specific Communication Examples:

Behavior/Question/Comment from Coach	Official’s Response
Coach sees the play very differently than the official.	“Coach, if that’s the way it happened/what you saw, then I must have missed it. I’ll take a closer look next time.” “Coach, I understand what you’re saying, however, on that play, I didn’t see it that way. I’ll keep an eye for it on both ends.” “Coach, I had a good look at that play and here’s what I saw [short explanation].” “Coach, I understand what you’re saying, but my angle was different than yours.” “Coach, I had a great look at that play, but I understand your question and I’ll have the crew keep an eye on it.” “Coach, I had that play all the way and made the call.”
Coach believes you’re missing persistent illegal acts by the other team.	“Ok coach, we’ll watch for that.” “Coach, we are watching for that on both ends of the court.”
Coach is questioning a partner’s call.	“Coach, that’s a good call, as a crew we have to make that call.” “We’re calling it on both ends.” “Coach, they were right there and had a great angle.” “Coach, we’re not going there, I can’t let you criticize my teammate.” “Coach, they had a great look, but if you have a specific question, you’ll have to ask them, they’ll be over here in just a minute.”
Coach is very animated and gesturing.	“Coach, I’m going to talk with you and answer your questions, but you must put your arms down/stop the gesturing.” “Coach, please put your arms down. Now, what’s your question?”
Coach is raising their voice asking the question.	“Coach, I can hear you/I’m standing right here, you don’t need to raise your voice.” "Coach, I need you to stop raising your voice and just ask your question calmly.”
Coach is commenting on something every time down the floor.	“Coach, I need you to pick your spots, we can’t have a comment on every single call that is being made.”
Coach has a good point and might be right.	“You’ve got a good point and might be right about that play.” “You might be right, that’s one we’ll talk about at halftime/intermission/the next time out.” “You might be right; I may not have had the best angle on that play.”
Coach is venting, make editorial comments.	“I hear what you’re saying” “I hear what you’re saying, but we’re moving on.”
Coach just won’t let it go.	“I’ve heard enough and that’s your warning.”